Tasteful Tip Tuesday: May 2020

A Breath of Fresh Air

Cigarette smoking is a life-threatening habit, decried by every major health organization across the globe. The tobacco epidemic is so pervasive that the World Health Organization (WHO) supports World No Tobacco Day, held annually on May 31. This day is meant to “demonstrate the threats that the tobacco industry poses to the sustainable development of all countries,” according to the WHO website.

The largest threat comes from preventable deaths, with about 6 million people dying each year from tobacco use. Do your part to help curb tobacco consumption with these cessation tips:

Think of the innumerable benefits to quitting, like saving more money, lowering your cancer risks and feeling healthier overall.
Think about when you smoke and why you smoke—keep track of when you light up. Identifying your triggers can help you prepare to quit.
If you are using medication to help you quit, make sure to follow the instructions carefully.

One-minute Office Workouts

Squeezing a workout into a busy schedule isn’t always easy. But scattering one-minute workouts throughout your day can help combat the effects of long-term sitting—which can lead to a number of health concerns.

For lower body strength—Sit in your chair and extend one leg out in front of you. Hold it straight for five seconds. Raise it as high as you can and hold for five more seconds. Switch legs and repeat, for a total of three times on each side.
For your core and arms—Sit in your chair with your legs crossed in front of you (like a pretzel) and your feet on the seat. Place your hands on the armrests, engage your core and raise yourself a couple inches above the seat. Hold for 10 seconds. Rest a few seconds, and repeat five more times.
For your biceps—Sit tall with your abs pulled in. Hold a dumbbell or filled water bottle in one hand, with your arm stretched out straight and your palm facing the ceiling. Curl it up toward your shoulder and then back to the starting position 15 times. Alternate arms and repeat. Complete one more set of 15 reps with each arm.
To stretch stiff muscles and relieve tension—Sit straight, facing forward and turn your head to the left while turning your torso to the right. Hold for five seconds. Keep alternating sides for a total of 60 seconds.

Keep in mind that the impact of movement—even a leisurely walk—can be beneficial. The muscle activity needed to move the body triggers important processes related to the breakdown of fats and sugars.